[[United States Vital Records|Vital Records]] consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]]. A copy or extract of the original record may be purchased from the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Alaska Burea of Vital Statistics] or the Clerk's office where the event occurred. An overview of [[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]] offers additional insight into researching vital records in general.&nbsp;

[[United States Vital Records|Vital Records]] consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]]. A copy or extract of the original record may be purchased from the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Alaska Burea of Vital Statistics] or the Clerk's office where the event occurred. An overview of [[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]] offers additional insight into researching vital records in general.

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<br><br>

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=== Alaska Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online ===

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== Alaska Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online ==

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<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_962" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_995" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_325" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_105" />The following online resources will be useful for locating Alaska Vital Records. Check [[Alaska Vital Records Online|Alaska Vital Records&nbsp;Online]] for more information about the resources listed below. Most online resources for Alaska Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to [[Contradictions and discrepancies|confirm the information]] in the index. '''<br>'''

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<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_962" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_995" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_325" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247762005706_105" />The following online resources will be useful for locating Alaska Vital Records which consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]]. Check [[Alaska Vital Records Online|Alaska Vital Records&nbsp;Online]] for more information about the resources listed below. Most online resources for Alaska Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to [[Contradictions and discrepancies|confirm the information]] in the index. '''<br>'''

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitka,_Alaska Sitka ]was the center of government in [[Alaska|Alaska]] until 1906 when Juneau became the capital. Alaska [[Alaska Church Records|church records]] may be consulted for birth&nbsp;records prior to territorial birth registration beginning in 1913.&nbsp;

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No births were recorded by government agencies prior to 1913. The Bureau of Vital Statistics has microfilmed local Church Records for the purpose of creating delayed birth records. See '''Substitute Records''' below for information on how to located Church and other related records.<br>

'''1913 - Present'''

'''1913 - Present'''

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Territorial registration of [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/birth/default.htm Birth Records] began in 1913 and was generally complied with by 1945. The [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Alaska State Bureau of Vital Statistics] has a few records&nbsp;beginning in&nbsp;1913, but most of the collection is after 1930. For the past 100 years, only&nbsp;those individuals listed on the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/birth/default.htm birth&nbsp;records] are allowed to order&nbsp;a copy&nbsp;due to&nbsp;privacy laws.<br>

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Alaska started requiring the registration of births in 1913 after becoming a territory in 1912. Birth Registration was generally complied with by 1945. Most of the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Bureau of Vital Statistics]'s collection of birth records dates from 1930 and later. According to State Law, only individuals listed on a birth record may obtain copies. Contact the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/birth/default.htm Bureau of Vital Statistic]'s for instructions on obtaining birth records.<br>

[http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/alaska-laws.html Alaska Adoption Laws] allow adopted adults 18 years or older to obtain copies of their original birth certificates along with other identifying information including changes in birth parents' names or addresses. Birth parents can request information about adoptees 18 years or older if the adoptee has agreed (in writing) to disclose that information. Contact the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/DPH/bvs/ Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics] for more information. General information about adoption may be found at [[Adoption Research|United States Adoption]].

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[http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/alaska-laws.html Alaska Adoption Laws] allow adopted adults 18 years or older to obtain copies of their original birth certificates along with other identifying information (including changes in birth parents' names and/or addresses). Birth parents can request information about adoptees 18 years or older if the adoptee has agreed (in writing) to disclose that information. Contact the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/DPH/bvs/ Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics] for more information. General information about adoptions can be found under [[Adoption Research|United States Adoption]].

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== Marriage Records ==

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=== Marriage Records ===

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'''1804 - 1913&nbsp;'''

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'''1890 - 1913'''

The [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Alaska State Bureau of Vital Statistics] has a scant number of [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/marriage/default.htm Alaska Marriage Records] beginning in 1890 but most are after 1930.&nbsp; [[Alaska Church Records|Church records]] are a good source for marriages not found at the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics. The&nbsp;[[Western States Marriage Index|Western States Marriage Index]]&nbsp;has collected&nbsp;a few Alaska marriages between 1896 -1911. This index may be searched online at no cost. Eventually the Western States Marriage Index plans to include all marriage records for the western states.

The [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Alaska State Bureau of Vital Statistics] has a scant number of [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/marriage/default.htm Alaska Marriage Records] beginning in 1890 but most are after 1930.&nbsp; [[Alaska Church Records|Church records]] are a good source for marriages not found at the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics. The&nbsp;[[Western States Marriage Index|Western States Marriage Index]]&nbsp;has collected&nbsp;a few Alaska marriages between 1896 -1911. This index may be searched online at no cost. Eventually the Western States Marriage Index plans to include all marriage records for the western states.

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'''1913 - Present'''

'''1913 - Present'''

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Territorial registration of [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/marriage/default.htm Alaska&nbsp;Marriage Records] began in January of 1913, however, most marriage records&nbsp;in the collection of&nbsp;the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Alaska State Bureau of Vital Statistics]&nbsp;are after 1930. Access to [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/marriage/default.htm marriage] and [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/divorce/default.htm divorce] records is restricted for 50 years after the date of the event to the persons named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and persons who can prove they are legally entitled.

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Territorial registration of [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/marriage/default.htm Marriages] in Alaska started in January of 1913. The Alaska [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/Bureau Bureau of Vital Statistics] holds few records prior to 1930. Marriage records are restricted for 50 years after the date of the marriage. Only those named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and person who can prove they are legally entitled can obtain copies.

Pre-1950 Alaska Divorce Records may be obtained from the Clerk of [http://www.switchboard.com/results.htm?cid=&MEM=1&ypcobrand=1&PR=&ST=&inputwhat_dirty=1&KW=superior+court&initial=&inputwhere_dirty=1&LO=alaska&SD=-1&semChannelId=&semSessionId=&search.x=0&search.y=0 Superior Court] in the judicial district where the divorce was granted.

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Pre-1950 Alaska Divorce Records may be obtained from the Clerk of the [http://www.switchboard.com/results.htm?cid=&MEM=1&ypcobrand=1&PR=&ST=&inputwhat_dirty=1&KW=superior+court&initial=&inputwhere_dirty=1&LO=alaska&SD=-1&semChannelId=&semSessionId=&search.x=0&search.y=0 Superior Court] in the judicial district where the divorce was granted.

'''1950 - Present'''

'''1950 - Present'''

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[http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/divorce/default.htm Divorce Records]&nbsp;after 1950&nbsp;may be obtained from [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Bureau of Vital Statistics].&nbsp;Alaska&nbsp;adheres to&nbsp;a 50-year privacy&nbsp;period after the date of the event for divorce records, only allowing access to individuals named on the certificate or their legal representatives. <br>

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[http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/divorce/default.htm Divorce Records]&nbsp;after 1950&nbsp;may be obtained from [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/ Bureau of Vital Statistics]. Due to a 50-year privacy&nbsp;period after the date of the event only individuals named on the records or their legal representatives may obtain copies. <br>

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== Death Records<br> ==

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=== Death Records<br> ===

'''1804 - 1913'''

'''1804 - 1913'''

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The'''&nbsp;'''U.S. [[Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|'''Social Security Death Index''']] contains information on persons receiving [[Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Social Security]] whose deaths were reported to the government. The index&nbsp;contains data from&nbsp;1962 to the present, however, the Social Security Administration also has additional records dating to 1936.

The'''&nbsp;'''U.S. [[Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|'''Social Security Death Index''']] contains information on persons receiving [[Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Social Security]] whose deaths were reported to the government. The index&nbsp;contains data from&nbsp;1962 to the present, however, the Social Security Administration also has additional records dating to 1936.

Delayed Birth records were created by the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/default.htm Bureau of Vital Statistics] from borrowed microfilms of original Russian Church records.&nbsp; Request for genealogical inquires of this collection are refused. However films of birth, marriages and deaths recorded by the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=525126&subject_disp=Alaska+%2D+Church+records+%2D+Indexes&columns=*,0,0 Russian Greek Orthodox Catholic Church] from 1816 to 1936 and [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=529310&subject_disp=Alaska+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 LDS member records from 1885 to 1951] are available at the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/FHL/frameset_library.asp Family History Library] and may be borrowed and viewed&nbsp;at a local [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp Family History Center.]&nbsp; These church records are the best source&nbsp;of Alaska&nbsp;Births, Marriages, and&nbsp;Deaths&nbsp;prior to 1950.

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Delayed Birth records were created by the [http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs/default.htm Bureau of Vital Statistics] from borrowed microfilms of original Russian Church records.&nbsp; Request for genealogical inquires of this collection are refused. However films of birth, marriages and deaths recorded by the {{FHL|525126|subject-id|disp=Russian Greek Orthodox Catholic Church}} from 1816 to 1936 and {{FHL|529310|subject-id|disp=LDS member records from 1885 to 1951}} are available at the [https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Family_History_Library Family History Library] and may be borrowed and viewed&nbsp;at a local[https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Category:Family_History_Centers Family History Center.]&nbsp; These church records are the best source&nbsp;of Alaska&nbsp;Births, Marriages, and&nbsp;Deaths&nbsp;prior to 1950.

*[[Alaska Census|Alaska Census Records]]&nbsp; Early Census were taken and survive for parts of Alaska.

*[[Alaska Census|Alaska Census Records]]&nbsp; Early Census were taken and survive for parts of Alaska.

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*[[Alaska Periodicals|Alaska Periodicals]]

*[[Alaska Periodicals|Alaska Periodicals]]

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== Tips ==

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=== Tips ===

*Information given on a [[United States Birth Records|birth]], [[United States Marriage Records|marriage]]&nbsp;or [[United States Death Records|death]] certificate is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the person or persons on the certificate to help determine the [[Contradictions and discrepancies|accuracy of the record]].

*Information given on a [[United States Birth Records|birth]], [[United States Marriage Records|marriage]]&nbsp;or [[United States Death Records|death]] certificate is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the person or persons on the certificate to help determine the [[Contradictions and discrepancies|accuracy of the record]].

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*If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by&nbsp;government entities, search for [[Alaska Church Records|church records]] of christening, marriage, burial or death.&nbsp; A [[United States Bible Records|family Bible]] may have been used to record births, marriages and deaths.

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*If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by&nbsp;government entities, search for [[Alaska Church Records|church records]] of christening, marriage, burial or death.&nbsp; A [[United States Bible Records|Family Bible]] may have also been used to record births, marriages and deaths.

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*Privacy laws restrict access to the records of [[Finding Living People in the United States|living individuals]]. Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anone except&nbsp;to the individual or a&nbsp;direct relative.

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*Privacy laws restrict access to the records of [[Finding Living People in the United States|living individuals]]. Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except the individual or a&nbsp;direct relative.

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*Search for Vital Records in the [[Family History Library Catalog|Family History Library Catalog]]&nbsp; by using the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=localitysearch&columns=*,0,0 Place Search&nbsp;]&nbsp;an then choosing '''Vital Records'''. Search '''Alaska '''to locate records filed by the State and then search the '''name&nbsp;of the county '''to locate records kept by that county.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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*Search for Vital Records in the [[Family History Library Catalog|Family History Library Catalog]]&nbsp; by using the&nbsp;[https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog&catSearchType=place Place Search]&nbsp;and then choosing '''Vital Records'''. Search '''Alaska '''to locate records filed by the State and then search the '''name&nbsp;of the county '''to locate records kept by that county.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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== Archives, Libraries and Societies ==

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=== Archives, Libraries and Societies ===

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Statewide archi<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1251733401483_364" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1251733401483_706" />ves,&nbsp;libraries,&nbsp;historical and genealogical societies of&nbsp;Alaska have collections that&nbsp;can be of great value in&nbsp;Alaska research.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Individual counties usually have historical and genealogical societies as well. Contact the&nbsp;[[Alaska Archives and Libraries|Alaska Archives, Societies&nbsp;and Libraries]]&nbsp;for specific information on availability of records and how to access their collections online,&nbsp;in person or through a local agent that will search the records for a fee.<br>

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Statewide archi<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1251733401483_364" /><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1251733401483_706" />ves,&nbsp;libraries,&nbsp;historical and genealogical societies of&nbsp;Alaska have collections that&nbsp;can be of great value in&nbsp;Alaska research.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Individual counties usually have historical and genealogical societies as well. Contact the&nbsp;[[Alaska Archives and Libraries|Alaska Archives, Societies&nbsp;and Libraries]]&nbsp;for specific information on availability of records and how to access their collections online,&nbsp;in person or through a local agent that will search the records for a fee.<br>

Alaska Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online

The following online resources will be useful for locating Alaska Vital Records. Check Alaska Vital Records Online for more information about the resources listed below. Most online resources for Alaska Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to confirm the information in the index.

Birth Records

Early - 1913

No births were recorded by government agencies prior to 1913. The Bureau of Vital Statistics has microfilmed local Church Records for the purpose of creating delayed birth records. See Substitute Records below for information on how to located Church and other related records.

1913 - Present

Alaska started requiring the registration of births in 1913 after becoming a territory in 1912. Birth Registration was generally complied with by 1945. Most of the Bureau of Vital Statistics's collection of birth records dates from 1930 and later. According to State Law, only individuals listed on a birth record may obtain copies. Contact the Bureau of Vital Statistic's for instructions on obtaining birth records.

Adoption

Alaska Adoption Laws allow adopted adults 18 years or older to obtain copies of their original birth certificates along with other identifying information (including changes in birth parents' names and/or addresses). Birth parents can request information about adoptees 18 years or older if the adoptee has agreed (in writing) to disclose that information. Contact the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics for more information. General information about adoptions can be found under United States Adoption.

Territorial registration of Marriages in Alaska started in January of 1913. The Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics holds few records prior to 1930. Marriage records are restricted for 50 years after the date of the marriage. Only those named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and person who can prove they are legally entitled can obtain copies.

Information on Alaska Marriage Records

Types of Information

1890 - 1913

1913 - present

Name of Bride/Groom

Date of Marriage

Location of Marriage

Presiding Official

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Residence at Time of Marriage

Divorce Records

Early - 1950

Pre-1950 Alaska Divorce Records may be obtained from the Clerk of the Superior Court in the judicial district where the divorce was granted.

1950 - Present

Divorce Records after 1950 may be obtained from Bureau of Vital Statistics. Due to a 50-year privacy period after the date of the event only individuals named on the records or their legal representatives may obtain copies.

Death Records

1804 - 1913

Sitka was the center of the government in Alaska until 1906 when Juneau became the capital of Alaska. Territorial registration of Death Records began in 1913 and was generally complied with by 1945. Alaska Church records are an additional source for marriages not found in the collections of the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics.

1913 - Present

The Death Record collection at the Alaska State Bureau of Vital Statistics contains a few records beginning in 1890 but the greater part of the collection is after 1930. Access to death records is restricted to family members and legal representatives for 50 years after the date of death.

TheU.S. Social Security Death Index contains information on persons receiving Social Security whose deaths were reported to the government. The index contains data from 1962 to the present, however, the Social Security Administration also has additional records dating to 1936.

Tips

Information given on a birth, marriage or death certificate is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the person or persons on the certificate to help determine the accuracy of the record.

If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by government entities, search for church records of christening, marriage, burial or death. A Family Bible may have also been used to record births, marriages and deaths.

Privacy laws restrict access to the records of living individuals. Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except the individual or a direct relative.

Search for Vital Records in the Family History Library Catalog by using the Place Search and then choosing Vital Records. Search Alaska to locate records filed by the State and then search the name of the county to locate records kept by that county.

Archives, Libraries and Societies

Statewide archives, libraries, historical and genealogical societies of Alaska have collections that can be of great value in Alaska research. Individual counties usually have historical and genealogical societies as well. Contact the Alaska Archives, Societies and Libraries for specific information on availability of records and how to access their collections online, in person or through a local agent that will search the records for a fee.

Important Dates & Governmental Jurisdictions:

1799-1861 Russian American Company

1861-1867 Russian Imperial Administration

1868-1877 U.S. War Department -Customs

1877-1884 U.S. Treasury Dept.

1884-1912 U.S. District Status

1912-1959 U.S. Territorial Status

1943 Military Personnel stationed in Alaska.

After statehood, on Jaunuary 3, 1959, twenty-seven civil jurisdictions were created: fourteen divisions called municipalities and boroughs and another thirteen Alaska Native Claims Settlement Acto Corporations (ANCSA) There are now 16 organized boroughs and 11 unorganized boroughs and census areas: